Scrimmage session gives new-look Hornets a chance to build

With a quickly closing window of preparation available before the Dec. 26 regular-season opener, Saturday’s open practice/scrimmage session at the New Orleans Arena was more than just an opportunity for fans to enjoy a couple hours of basketball.

Brett Duke / The Times-PicayuneGuard Trey Johnson, who wasnât on the Hornetsâ roster last season, drives to the basket during the teamâs open practice and scrimmage at the New Orleans Arena on Saturday. The event was free and open to the public. In Fridayâs preseason win at Memphis, Johnson scored eight points on 4-of-6 shooting.

Hornets Coach Monty Williams said the 90-minute workout was nowhere near an insignificant exercise for the team as it incorporates new pieces into the roster.

“The scrimmage was a little lax,” Williams said as the Black squad beat the White 46-43. “But we got some work in as far as we walked through a lot of stuff. The new guys (Eric Gordon, Al-Farouq Aminu and Chris Kaman) couldn’t be on the floor, but they could sit on the side and listen.

“They could pick up a lot because so many things were similar; just a different way of teaching it. And for our guys, we can’t take days off. We’ve got games coming up. We wanted to make sure we had some continuation and continuity from last night (a 97-90 exhibition win at Memphis). We talked about a few things we didn’t execute as well as we’d like to. And at the same time, we just wanted to be in the gym. I just think we need to be in the gym right now with all these games coming up.”

SMITH FELT WANTED: Newly re-signed forward/center Jason Smith said Saturday his return to New Orleans was facilitated by the staff’s oft-spoken desire to have him come back and be part of the Hornets’ roster.

“I’ve been with six different coaches in the last six years,” Smith said. “It’s kind of been a whirlwind of coaches. I really like what this coaching staff has to offer, the way they work with their players. The mindset we go out on the court with every day to work hard and get something done to improve, I like that. That’s why I wanted to come back to New Orleans.

“They wanted me back. They wanted me back for sure. And I think we both have an agreement that was good for us and good for me to come back and build upon what we did last year.”

General Manager Dell Demps, who re-introduced Smith, along with Landry, before Saturday’s open practice and scrimmage, said Smith was a player the Hornets targeted in the free-agency process.

“Jason is a young player that really played well for us last year,” Demps said. “His energy, his character, and just his overall being with the team helps make us a better team.”

During the lockout-extended offseason, Smith said he spent a lot of time in the gym working to improve his skills.

“Stretching my shooting range and working a lot on the 3-point shot,” Smith said. “Just working on every aspect of my game, trying to stay sharp as much as I could. I worked out to stay in shape and not lose what I gained last year.”

NEW NUMBERS: Get accustomed to seeing a new No. 3 on the court for the Hornets this season.

Perhaps Al-Farouq Aminu, acquired in the trade for Chris Paul from the Clippers, might wear that digit this season.

Aminu told reporters he prefers wearing No. 0, although he wore No. 3 with the Clippers. So wait and see. The number 0 currently is being worn by point guard Carldell “Squeaky” Johnson.

INJURIES: Free-agent center Brian Butch did not participate. He sustained an undisclosed knee injury at the end of practice Thursday. He was on crutches Saturday.

“He’s got to rehab for a few weeks,” Williams said.

And forward DaJuan Summers, who hyperextended his right knee on Monday, will be out from four to six weeks, Williams said.

NEW CLOCK LOOK: The 1,500 or so fans who attended Saturday’s open practice and scrimmage saw a different look on the 24-second clock. This season, in the final 10 seconds, the shot clock will display the time remaining in 10ths of a second, as well.

THREE CUT: The Hornets released three free agents, guards Justin Dentmon and Terrico White and forward Moses Ehmabe.

The camp roster is at 15. The team is expected to practice twice today at the Alario Center.

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Jimmy Smith can be reached at jsmith@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3814.